Interesting Times with Ross Douthat
New York Times Opinion
The first draft of our future. Mapping the new world order through interviews and conversations. Every Thursday, from New York Times Opinion.
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Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.
Episodes
Mentioned books
365 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 53min
The Next Economic Bubble Is Here
Jason Furman, an economist at Harvard Kennedy School and former advisor to U.S. presidents, dives into the potential bubble surrounding artificial intelligence. He draws fascinating parallels between AI and historical bubbles like the railroads and the internet. Furman discusses the impact of AI on GDP and interest rates, and the psychology driving tech valuations. He raises the question of what might happen if the AI bubble bursts and offers a cautiously optimistic perspective on long-term growth, citing immigration and steady productivity as hopeful signs.
111 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 1h 4min
Amy Coney Barrett Is Looking Beyond the Trump Era
Associate Justice Amy Coney Barrett discusses her originalist approach to the Constitution and the complexities of the Supreme Court's role. She shares insights on balancing her professional life with motherhood, the reasoning behind controversial rulings like Roe v. Wade, and when to overturn precedents. Barrett emphasizes the importance of human fallibility in judicial decision-making and the long-term vision needed for the Court's relationship with the executive branch, while resisting the pressure to be a cultural icon.
372 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 1h 15min
He Believes America Should Be a Theocracy. He Says His Influence Is Growing.
Doug Wilson, an evangelical pastor and self-proclaimed Christian nationalist, discusses his vision for a theocratic America that harkens back to its Puritan roots. He believes his influence is expanding, claiming that secularism has failed. The conversation delves into the implications of a Christian republic, including the treatment of women under patriarchal values and how biblical law would criminalize certain behaviors. Wilson also shares his thoughts on historical injustices like slavery and the role of Calvinism in shaping modern society.
10 snips
Apr 6, 2025 • 3min
Introducing ‘Interesting Times’
This podcast dives into the complexities of our rapidly changing world. It tackles the implications of the Trump presidency and the COVID-19 pandemic on our societal fabric. Listeners will explore the future of democracy as American influence shifts. The conversation also ventures into how culture—movies and books—will evolve in an era dominated by digital technology and AI. Each discussion promises thought-provoking insights into our current and future realities.
